Love767

Maybe the student nurses that treat you as their "personal assistants" are the same ones who end up treating future student nurses "like crap".

The thing is I'm not sure that most people have "a thing" for each other after they've been married for a few years. As I stated in my case I wasn't even attracted to my wife when we dated (she was someone who would listen to my dribble and was sexually liberated). Of about twenty girlfriends in fact she would have been my last pick for a wife (she was a casual sex outlet). However, here we are eleven years later and I'm LUCKY to have her. In fact, I'm much MORE attracted to her now even though she is heavier (and I'm no longer a Greek "self absorbed" Adonis). Perhaps, it's because we've endured so much together, struggled together, laughed and cried toghether. Perhaps, also it's because every time I look at my beautiful sons face I am reminded that, but for her UNIQUE properties that he would not even EXIST. My wife is the greatest blessing of my life, and frankly I was ashamed to even introduce her to my friends when we dated (I've since lost the friends, but kept her).

Lacie you sound like a nice person, but you must understand one thing. As Chris Rock says "if your marriage ain't boring THEN you've got a problem". It humor, but like all great humor there is more than a grain of truth in the observation. Another, good Chris Rock line from Saturday's HBO special "guys the reason your wife always seems pissed at you is because you WEREN't her FIRST choice" (I guess you have to see it). It sounds like he really has done some things that have really bothered you (I can hear my wife's voice in your type). I've never cheated on my wife, but have done some really bone headed, inconsiderate things that have hurt our marriage over the years (at least we ARE having regular sex we went for a whole year where she wouldn't following a year where I wouldn't). I see now that we both used sex as a "passive aggressive" weapon at different points in the relationship. Here's a couple of thoughts that MIGHT help: 1. Seek counseling. Clearly this isn't working (he's probably not in bliss either) and to have the best chance of working this out your going to have to TALK about what's going on. Maybe it can be fixed and maybe not, but if you don't do anything it's probably not going to fix itself. I hope you guys make it. God Bless.

I can't get excited about the Caribbean, it's pretty but not really that exotic.

Sorry, I got carried away in my reply to Husband. I would really like to know more about why Lacie feels her marriage is over. Are there BIG issues like adultery, abuse ect or just a general feeling that there must be "something more or someone better suited" out there for her? If it's the latter I think that I've seen this reaction in the wives of almost every married man I've ever known at some point in their relationship (maybe men feel the same, but I think their thought processes are more orientated towards sex with other women in most cases). Sometimes the couples work through this and sometimes it ends in divorce even after many years. It's almost like an "instinctual" thing makes me wonder if it might not go back to our "roots" long ago.

Shouldn't nurses stick together no matter what specialty they choose? If most nurses supported one another then the health care establishment would have to listen.

teams? If so what countries (or territories since we would be interested in Guam, American Samoa ect) might have these sort of opportunities?

It seems like most of the travel talk about Hawaii involves NICU's and PICU's. Does this mean that opportunities for MICU, SICU work (travel or otherwise) is not available on Oahu (where we want to live). Also how many travel companies will consider husband and wife teams with a kid?

Okay, Husband maybe you are an atheist then. I find that many who think of themselves as atheists are really agnostic. After all how can any of us really KNOW that there is or isn't a God. Even if an angelic being of light appeared to us and posed for a picture how could we know that it was an angel and not some other phenomina such as PSI, aliens, or even home grown advanced technology? My main point was that in the final analysis believing in a God that always was, and always will be is beyond the grasp of sanity. So also is the belief that the Universe "exploded" into existence from a singularity (after all where did the singularity come from and if you say a previous universe that collasped upon itself I will ask where did THAT universe come from; and if you subscribe to the discreditied steady state theory I will ask how can something NOT have had a beginning?) In the end the only thing that we can be sure of is that we think therefore we exist, at least in some form. Since all of reality reduces the human mind to madness upon close examination, I say pick the madness which gives you the most comfort. After all someone IS correct. Even if we live in some sort of weird Hindu, Buddist multiverse where EVERYONE is correct (in other words our beliefs create reality) then that too is an objective reality. If the truth is not represented by ANY current beliefs then that is an objective reality in it's own right. I choose to believe in God, but I wouldn't presume to convince you to do the same. However, neither would I wish you to convince me that he doesn't exist since ultimately both viewpoints (a universe with an eternal God, and one that exists on its own without creation) are utter madness. You see now why my parents were asked not to let me return to Sunday school at my Lutherin church as a child.

No need for an apology BabyRN2Be. I was simply pointing out that even if the scenario had been "imagined or borrowed from a book" that it wouldn't diminish the validity of the topic. It's like all of those "learning scenarios" that we have to do in class. I'm sure that many if not most of them are not actual scenarios (although some probably are, and all happen someplace on almost a daily basis), they are still useful for learning. I just wish they gave us a few points for the reports we have to do in order to answer them!

How expensive is Cairns or Townsville and are there nursing jobs in that area? Living near the Barrier Reef would be awesome! Imagine being able to scuba every weekend in that kind of splendor. Of course sea wasps and sea snakes, not to mention Great Whites would be a bummer.

These associations started as "common sense" type things here to prevent property values from being depressed by people putting cars on blocks in their front yard, or painting their house polka dot. Gradually, they add ever more "common sense" rules to the point that almost no area of your life is untouched. Rules range to limiting the type of plants you may cultivate to putting a weight limt on the size of your dog, how long you may leave your garage door open or even the age of your spouse, or how often your grandchildren can visit (in those communities that are retirement orientated). What's more these rules are codified in CCR's which go with the land bascially as deed restrictions. With time there are fewer and fewer places to live that DON'T have these types of rules (not every home owners association is equally ridiculous, but most housing editions built in the last twenty years have them). It is doubtful that in a hundred years that you will be able to buy a home or condo NOT covered by these organizations. What's the point in having rights and freedoms if we have to give them up in order to find a place to live? It's true you could buy stand alone homes on their own lots, but these are getting very expensive in part due to land use rules that require a minimun of five or even ten or more acres to build. Even then you are subject to zoning regs. Where I live you can't burn trash, grill out with charcoal grills, have a fence over four feet (which my dog can leap in a single bound), have an above ground swimming pool, or any lawn decorations and I own my own lot not covered by an association, just zoning laws. I can however still fly a flag and would be honored to fly the colors of Austrialia, Canada the UK and our other allies. France would be pushing it, but any country that serves wine in their Mcdonalds can't be all bad.

Husband, are you really an atheist or just an agonostic? Depending upon the day that you ask me I'm either a Christian or an agnostic. However, I wouldn't presume to declaire that God (or Nirvana for that matter) doesn't exist anymore than I can completely convince myself that HE does (at least as traditionally believed). Here's how I look at the issue. Both the concept of the universe coming from absolutely nothing (as is believed by those who advocate the Big Bang theory) and the belief that it came from a God (who always was) are both completely INSANE. Since, I am faced with two impossible, insane scenarios I choose the one which I prefer. Perhaps, it's no more than a version of Pascal's wager.

Sounds like my relationship with my wife. In all honesty, I met her through a classified ad in a sleazy tabloid after being dumped by the love of my life. I was never even attracted to her looking only for cheap thrills to dull my pain (but how often does that stop men from having easy sex). In fact, it was only because I had the spine of a jellyfish that I didn't break up with her (I hate hurting peoples feelings especially to their face). Eleven years have passed (only three married) and we have a three year old son. I have come to realize that she is the most wonderful person on Earth ( of course "the rules" of being a man prevent me from even hinting this)! We have almost nothing in common except our love for our son and Stephen King books. My idea of a vacation is hiking, camping or star gazing hers is a nice hotel on the beach! I don't think I could face life without her, and I AM CERTAIN (enough said on that) that she has often felt the way that you describe here. Maybe love is a fairy tale for some people, but for us it's just love, and that's good enough, at least for me. I remember praying after that first girl left me (my dream girl) that if God would just send me someone who would love me no matter what that I would never leave them. Perhaps it was a coincidence, but my future wife called just minutes later. It's the best thing (besides my son, and of course HIS son) that God has ever done for me. I realize that this is not "how its supposed to be" it's not even how I would have chosen for things to be if I had planned my life out. Maybe that's why things don't always go as planned. If I was your husband and you were my wife this is what I might say: "When we first met, I could have cared less if you stayed or left, but you were 'taken' with me. It's almost ironic that now after all of these years that you should be so actively considering leaving me (in part because you realize how young and stupid you were in being obsessed with me), and I so distressed at the prospect. I will try to do better, but won't promise what we both know from experience that I probably can't deliver over the long term. Just know that I love you more than anything on Earth, but as you have said sometimes love isn't always enough. I've made my own bed and it's up to you to decide if I will have to lie in it."

I once attended a lecture by a woman who claimed to have traveled with a group of Aborigenies (I know that's not how it's spelled, but have no idea of the correct spelling) around most of the country. She described how they would let the flys enter their ears, nostrils, and every other body orifice in order to "clean" them out. Actually, maybe they didn't have any choice. I also read a book one time about a guy who walked accross the country from North to South (he had actually walked across most of the world and was just finishing up in Austrialia). He described spending time with gold prospectors around campfires, and in bars. It sounded like a good time although he too almost died. Has anyone ever walked around the outside perimeter of Austrialia? If not perhaps I could, keep a journal and then write a book about my experiences. Maybe I could even use my nursing skills to earn the occasional meal and shelter for the night. The only area that would really bother me is that place up North near Darwin where all the salties hang out. Come to think of it seems like there's a place down South near the Great Australian Bight where Tiger snakes can be found on the beach (if I am remembering correctly I saw Steve Irwin sprinting to grab one before it could get away on the beach down there). I don't like snakes since I was bitten by a cottonmouth that slithered into my sleeping bag while camping in Virginia. My hope is that they will stay away from me if I stay away from them. Isn't there a train which runs from Melbourn to Perth? Maybe, I could walk along the tracks?

BabyRN2Be, let me address your concerns: 1. Who is Echo Herron and why does it matter? This happened, but even if it didn't it wouldn't change the validity of the issue for discussion. 2. My "best friend" (and I am a he by the way) was ordered to push the drug because it was her patient (we choose are own patients in this rotation which is cardio our third semester of clinicals) and we pass all meds for our patients while we are there, unless we haven't been checked off on the mode of administration. Our instructor, ultimately pushed the drug when she found out the situation because she felt my friend shouldn't have to do so. This sparked a conversation amongst several of the students in our group (and the instructor) concerning the situation. 3. We are in our third clinical semester of a BSN program that runs five semester, not that it matters. 4. I said I wasn't sure what the trade name of the particular drug was no where did I say that morphine didn't have a trade name. I looked it up in my Davis guide and it didn't make a distinction between brand names for IV morphine, maybe it matters but I still don't know what the trade name was in this case. 5. We are able to push all drugs so long as we have been checked off on the method of delivery. Usually the instructor will try to be present if it is an IV or IM. 6. Can't say if the dose killed the patient, but he did die the next day. I also don't know if the dose was later elevated, or if additonal boluses were given. 7. If you scroll up the thread a few inches you will see that I explained a couple of points. Why, should I have to defend a post about an experience at school? Going back to point number one even if I was making up something out of some book (which I didn't!) it wouldn't change the validity of the issue for discussion.

I would like to live in Australia, New Zealand, and almost anywhere in the South Pacific such as French Polynesia, Tonga, Fiji ect. After I get out of my BSN program I plan on getting my acute care or family practice NP degree in the states. I realize that NP's are not utilized outside of the states, but think it might make me a more employable nurse in any case. Which of these areas would offer realistic employment opportunities. I would eventually like to experience most of these locations, but some might have to come as vacations rather than work and living experiences. I've also always wanted to hike from the East end to the West end of Australia, ending in that place where they swim with the dolphins if I live to see it! Are there any trails that span your country, and people there who do this sort of thing? Would crime be a big concern during such a hike? In the states I hiked from South Carolina to Maine, without too many problems except almost getting permanently lost in Maine after getting off the Appalacian trail. Where do those of you living in these type of beautiful, exotic places dream of living and experiencing? Based on everything I've read and seen there is no place as beautiful as the South Pacific. Do you agree with this or do you dream of places like Florida or maybe Brazil or, Tibet?

The way this would work is that if you agree to donate your organs you would be placed in a higher priority status should you ever need an organ. Obviously, this wouldn't apply to kids, or the mentally impared. I am already a donar, but if I was on the fence (or just lazy) knowing that being a donar might mean that I could more easily get a kidney or liver (in the event I needed one) would probably push me over onto the donation side. Also, I think that the government should consider offering incentives for healthy living donars of a kidney, part of the liver, or bone marrow. If I could have part of my student loans forgiven I might give a kidney, and would certainly consider risking part of my liver . In fact I think many people would do this for free, but offering some compensation wouldn't be a bad thing considering the likely lost work (and considerable risk) involved. Also here's another related question. Why can't parents donate the placentas from their children for stem cell research? My microbiology professor said that there was virtually no difference between the stems cells that come from foetuses (aborted) and those that are available in the "cord blood" of placentas. It seems like a whole lot of cord blood (and the stem cells inside) are being wasted. Plus, I'm not aware of any ethical objections by anyone to using cord blood which would just be thrown away anyway.

I think my instructor was saying that it was euthanasia, and that it was common. I wonder if this really reflects reality or is just her impression of the way things are. The reason that I mentioned that the patient was an alleged child molester is because that is the reason the family gave for not being involved. Because the family wouldn't sign a DNR the ethics commitee had to be called upon to make the decision. It seems as if most people do not believe that this was appropriate. To me there is a big difference between giving pain medications that may kill somone, but which are needed to control pain, and giving them in such a way as to hasten death. In any case our instructor ended up pushing the meds rather than the student, and the patient did pass away the next day on a different nurses watch. Out of 100 terminal patients (or ones diagnosed to be so) how many do you think are "assisted"? Obviously, this will vary greatly by facility and location. It would be shocking to me if the number were greater than two or three, but I really don't know.

I wanted to clarify a couple of points: a. I didn't seek to have the CNA written up. However, since she said what she did in front of my instructor and others it happened anyway (I'm not sure who instigated the "write up", but it wasn't me). b. I am known for having a strong "spine" with my family and friends. However, I have almost completely repressed this as a nursing student for several reasons. First, as a student I realize that they probably know more than me in almost all areas. Second, I was raised to "respect my elders" even when they were wrong or abusive (to a point). Third, I don't want to say anything that could be taken as insubordination, better my feelings be hurt than my future. However, I felt that in this case the nurse wasn't satisfied with hurting my feelings she wanted to accomplish something more. Thanks, for all the support. In the end I realize that the advice of Jesus to love your enemies is the best. Thanks for the support. Any advice for handling similar situations in a non-confrontational (but effective) manner would be appreciated.

babinurse have you been treated with the best available treatments for Hepatitus C such as alpha interferon? You might also consider some of the alternative treatments that have some evidence supporting their use. I think that these might include licorice (Glycyrrihiza glabra), Liver extracts, Milk thistle (Silybum marianum), Reishi mushrooms (Ganoderma lucidum), Thymus extracts, and good old vitamin C. Many believe that diets high in fruits and vegetables are also helpful. You may wish to try and find a doctor open to integrating alternative approaches along with the latest clinical interventions to help you beat this disease.

Here are a few examples that I've experienced or witnessed during my time in clinicals: 1. It is common that I or one of my fellow students will ask a qustion, or simply say hello, good morning ect to a staff nurse, LPN, or CNA and get absolutely NO reply. In the case of a question I've even asked several times on occassion only to be treated as if I wasn't even there (to me being absolutely ignored is almost worse than saying they won't, can't, or don't have time to answer a question). 2. On another occasion I was accused of deliberately not giving a bed bath by a CNA. In fact, I had made a mistake. I was the "student charge" nurse and when I returned to my patients room (after performing "treatments" for fellow students) the door was closed. The REAL charge nurse said that the CNA was giving a bath to a patient so I should wait to enter (unfortunately I should have asked which patient, but didn't). Then when I did enter the room (after helping another student give a bed bath down the hall) there was a used bed bath pan on the table, and two wet towels there also. My patient was semi-comatose (CV accident) and was sleeping in any case so I couldn't ask him. I assumed that my patient had been bathed and went on assisting other students. At the end of the day when I was leaving the CNA wanted to know which student had room eleven. When I said it was me, she got right in my face and said "if you aren't going to do a bath then you should tell someone and if you can't do that then you have no business being a nurse!" This was in front of my instructor. I apologized and offered to do the bath right then, but was refused the opportunity. The next day I was assigned to a patient in the ICU stepdown unit. At first the RN who was also in the room (assigned to another patient also in the room) was very pleasant we even made various "small talk". Then the CNA who yelled at me the day before stopped by and they went into the hall to talk. After that the RN who had been pleasant became silent, she wouldnt' converse with me anymore. What is more when I went to give my patient a bed bath she criticised me at every step. She said I was too slow ("no hospital will ever hire you if you can't go faster than that"), and then criticised how I washed the perineal area saying I was being too gentle and not using enough water. When I went to change the water (as we are trained to do in school) she said I shouldn't leave my patients bed side during a procedure (I put the rails back up). I didn't say anything except that I was doing my best and would try harder. Finally, she accused me of deliberately doing a poor job so as to cause her to take over the procedure (which she did) and suggested that I should consider an alternative career. At this I nearly broke down in tears and went to see my instructor who re-assinged me to a different patient. However, the nurse in question walked into the room and said she wanted to talk to my instructor in private. She accused me of "patient abandonment" for leaving my patient (when I went to see my instructor and was reassigned). My instructor said she was probably mad at me because the CNA in question was written up for the way she confronted me on the previous day. Honestly, it seems like maybe 25% of the staff nurses (and I'm being conservative in my estimate) would just as soon we were not there. This is the first time I've ever experienced anything this dramatic and it's been bothering me for a few days now to the point I can hardly sleep. I swear, that IF I make it through school that I will go out of my way to be nice to furture nursing students who are doing there best!

Marilyn you didn't mention the options of becoming an NP, or CRNA. Are these not career paths that are at least equivalent to becoming a PA? I think part of the reason that older people are reluctant to consider medical school is the length of time involved. four or five year premed, four years in medical school, and then a residency of three to seven years. So the younger you are the more sense it makes to consider becoming a doctor relative to becoming an NP or CRNA (for someone interested more in the medical side) or am I missing something.

I've noticed that around here that while there are still lots of job adverstisements for nurses, that there are not as many as there were last year at this time. It also seems like that recruitment bonuses are not being advertised as much. So are all the statistics about a continuing shortgage bogus? Maybe many nurses are coming out of retirment or coming back from other second careers because of all the news about shortages. Hopefully, I am wrong because I hate to think I will graduate in a year into a profession where employment prospects will become bleak.

I don't know the trade name only that it was IV continuous infusion morphine at 2mg/hr with initial bolus of 10mg/, and optional additional bolus (I'm not sure how much). Is there a difference in action between trade names? I just wondered how many other people had experienced similar situations. I worry about patients who could make a recovery, but are not offered the opportunity because 99% of time the prognosis is one way, but every once in awhile the patient makes a recovery that is unless something like this occurs. Maybe this is just a weird situation not seen very often. Our insturctor actually pushed the drug. She also explained that this is something that she has often seen, but which is just not talked about. She said it was something that was necessary, but which couldn't really be discussed very much because of the implications. The analogy she offered was that in our books it says that a patient is never to have a full set of bed rails without a doctors order (because it is considered a restraint) however, in practice if we didn't leave the bed rails up and a patient fell, we would be in big trouble.